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Latte, Espresso, Cappuccino & Murder Mystery #1
Grounds to Kill
Barista Jen Hamby's coworkers give her a hard time for bringing coffee and pastries to a homeless man who sits outside her café—but she has a secret. The scruffy man is her father.
She's also hiding the little matter of why her palm itches. But how can she explain that her hand has a mind of its own and writes messages from the beyond? Right. That'll get her Employee of the Month.
When she finds herself scrawling your boyfriend is cheating on you! to herself on the bathroom mirror, she immediately dumps the guy. But then his little fling—who just happens to be her half sister—turns up dead, and suddenly Jen's homeless father is the prime suspect.
Jen knows he is being framed and must take matters into her own hands to protect him. But will anyone believe that the crazy old man is innocent? Or that his spirit-writing daughter holds the truth?
66,000 words
She's also hiding the little matter of why her palm itches. But how can she explain that her hand has a mind of its own and writes messages from the beyond? Right. That'll get her Employee of the Month.
When she finds herself scrawling your boyfriend is cheating on you! to herself on the bathroom mirror, she immediately dumps the guy. But then his little fling—who just happens to be her half sister—turns up dead, and suddenly Jen's homeless father is the prime suspect.
Jen knows he is being framed and must take matters into her own hands to protect him. But will anyone believe that the crazy old man is innocent? Or that his spirit-writing daughter holds the truth?
66,000 words
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
26 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Roberts
30 books330 followersWendy Roberts is an armchair sleuth, fan of all things mysterious but a huge chicken at heart. Her mind is often in the secretive, cloak and dagger world of intrigue while her physical presence is usually at home or on the road in her camper van. Wendy resides in Vancouver, Canada where she happily writes about murder and is always at work on her next novel.
You can find Wendy on the web on the following sites:
Website: www.wendyroberts.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorwendy
Instagram: @wendyroberts_author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WendyRobertsAuthor
TikTok: @wendyroberts_author
You can find Wendy on the web on the following sites:
Website: www.wendyroberts.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorwendy
Instagram: @wendyroberts_author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WendyRobertsAuthor
TikTok: @wendyroberts_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 24, 2016
This is the first book of WR's new series about barrista Jen. She is a coffee house barrista with a Yorkie that thinks she is a princess, a dad that is homeless and mentally ill, a gorgeous coworker that seems to want to get into her pants and heart and oh yes a ghost/muse that seems to communicate to Jen via her hand. Wendy's books always have some good snark and a hint of paranormal, as well as a great mystery. I did figure out who the bad guy was right off the bat, but I just didn't figure out how he was the bad guy until the end. I did enjoy reading Jen's story, but I can't wait for the next Ghost Duster book...we were left hanging. :-)
September 17, 2020
Good from start to finish.
January 9, 2013
This hit me as more of a cozy-ish mystery with a touch of the paranormal.
Jen is a barista and she's just found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. She discovered this when her spirit guide told her through automatic writing (the paranormal bit). Then the other woman is murdered and the cops think they have a likely suspect: Jen;s dad, a schizophrenic homeless man who has been hanging out near Jen's coffee shop.
Of course, this means some amateur sleuthing with her two best friends, some help and maybe more from a concerned co-worker, and trying to figure out how to use her "gift" to keep her dad, and herself, out of jail.
This isn't my usual read. There wasn't a whole lot of action. It's pretty light. Jen's love life is also a bit messy. However, I really enjoyed it. It was a nice diversion, a quick read, and although I already knew whodunnit, I still was happy after finishing.
If you prefer the police procedurals or need some heavy romance, you might not be so happy. This is a Carina book, but has considerable less steam than other titles I've read. At the same time, it was kind of nice that Jen didn't jump right into another relationship with all that was going on.
I'll keep an eye out for more from Roberts.
[received an ARC to review]
Jen is a barista and she's just found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. She discovered this when her spirit guide told her through automatic writing (the paranormal bit). Then the other woman is murdered and the cops think they have a likely suspect: Jen;s dad, a schizophrenic homeless man who has been hanging out near Jen's coffee shop.
Of course, this means some amateur sleuthing with her two best friends, some help and maybe more from a concerned co-worker, and trying to figure out how to use her "gift" to keep her dad, and herself, out of jail.
This isn't my usual read. There wasn't a whole lot of action. It's pretty light. Jen's love life is also a bit messy. However, I really enjoyed it. It was a nice diversion, a quick read, and although I already knew whodunnit, I still was happy after finishing.
If you prefer the police procedurals or need some heavy romance, you might not be so happy. This is a Carina book, but has considerable less steam than other titles I've read. At the same time, it was kind of nice that Jen didn't jump right into another relationship with all that was going on.
I'll keep an eye out for more from Roberts.
[received an ARC to review]
January 11, 2013
I've read everything ....I think.... So far that Wendy Roberts has written and published. I have loved everyone of her books! This one did not disappoint either. The characters were funny and easy to like even in tense situations there was humor. The relationships between the characters reminded me so much of how I am with my own friends. I'm not a reviewer who will rehash the whole story I just offer my honest opinion. I don't have anyone in my family severely mentally ill but I felt the frustration of the main character in regards to her father. Do yourself a favor buy this book sit back relax and enjoy. You can thank me later. :)
January 23, 2013
How many adjectives does a story need before they become just filler?
Sometimes beginnings are murder. Fellow readers, has this ever happened to you? You close a book with a sigh, abundant thoughts rapidly forming in your brain, many times they speed by so fast you just can't write them down. And then there are times when you stare at a that closed book and all that goes through the little noggin is "well, that was ok." Sorry to say, that was the case with Grounds to Kill. Of course, for me to say this book was just "ok" isn't right. I must find the words to explain that harsh term.
This is the first book by Wendy Roberts that I have ever read, so I was entering uncharted territory. And I loved the premise of plot. Even more than the plot, the book was full of some very quirky characters that I found extremely entertaining, especially the heroine, Jen. Jen had the so-called gift of automatic writing. I also found a secondary character, Mallory, and all of her save-everything-on-earth routine amusing. Every character in this book had the promise of fun. They were all there waiting for some over-the-top adventures and I think that with personalities that are so unusual you need to exaggerate what makes them unorthodox. There was a great scene in this book when Jen had to explain to a policeman what she was doing at the scene of the crime. It was a big laugh out loud moment... so much so that I had tears form and after I moved on to the next scene I continued to chuckle for awhile. If everything in this book had been like that scene, this would have been a dynamic read. So, what happened?
Sex-in-the-City. There were times while reading Grounds to Kill that I was reminded of Sex in the City. I confess, I never saw the magic of that show and all the shallow people that inhabited it. However, if the writing is right, I can overlook that popular style of silliness. Often I wasn't sure whether Grounds to Kill was an adult book or a young adult book. But that was a minor hiccup. When I read a book I like to be drawn into the atmosphere of the story. I love it when the outside world fades into the background and all I see are the words on the page. And that's the main problem I had here. Words, or should I say, adjectives.
I understand that flavor is added to a story with the use of adjectives. But not every noun in a tale needs to be modified - once - twice - three times. And at the beginning of this story I found the "blue-jean-clad-thigh" or "estrogen enriched customer" to be overkill. Nothing was ever just plain blue. When there are a plethora of adjectives in a book they just become filler. Instead of all the extraneous descriptors, developing the quirky characters into more complex beings would have taken this novel from "ok" to extraordinary.
I did see some possibilities in Wendy Roberts writing and I enjoyed the laugh out loud moment. I am curious enough to give her another try.
KaysBlog
Sometimes beginnings are murder. Fellow readers, has this ever happened to you? You close a book with a sigh, abundant thoughts rapidly forming in your brain, many times they speed by so fast you just can't write them down. And then there are times when you stare at a that closed book and all that goes through the little noggin is "well, that was ok." Sorry to say, that was the case with Grounds to Kill. Of course, for me to say this book was just "ok" isn't right. I must find the words to explain that harsh term.
This is the first book by Wendy Roberts that I have ever read, so I was entering uncharted territory. And I loved the premise of plot. Even more than the plot, the book was full of some very quirky characters that I found extremely entertaining, especially the heroine, Jen. Jen had the so-called gift of automatic writing. I also found a secondary character, Mallory, and all of her save-everything-on-earth routine amusing. Every character in this book had the promise of fun. They were all there waiting for some over-the-top adventures and I think that with personalities that are so unusual you need to exaggerate what makes them unorthodox. There was a great scene in this book when Jen had to explain to a policeman what she was doing at the scene of the crime. It was a big laugh out loud moment... so much so that I had tears form and after I moved on to the next scene I continued to chuckle for awhile. If everything in this book had been like that scene, this would have been a dynamic read. So, what happened?
Sex-in-the-City. There were times while reading Grounds to Kill that I was reminded of Sex in the City. I confess, I never saw the magic of that show and all the shallow people that inhabited it. However, if the writing is right, I can overlook that popular style of silliness. Often I wasn't sure whether Grounds to Kill was an adult book or a young adult book. But that was a minor hiccup. When I read a book I like to be drawn into the atmosphere of the story. I love it when the outside world fades into the background and all I see are the words on the page. And that's the main problem I had here. Words, or should I say, adjectives.
I understand that flavor is added to a story with the use of adjectives. But not every noun in a tale needs to be modified - once - twice - three times. And at the beginning of this story I found the "blue-jean-clad-thigh" or "estrogen enriched customer" to be overkill. Nothing was ever just plain blue. When there are a plethora of adjectives in a book they just become filler. Instead of all the extraneous descriptors, developing the quirky characters into more complex beings would have taken this novel from "ok" to extraordinary.
I did see some possibilities in Wendy Roberts writing and I enjoyed the laugh out loud moment. I am curious enough to give her another try.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2013
3.5 Stars
This beginning of this review is heavy on the generalities, and the section that contains spoilers is clearly marked.
This was a cute little mystery (if a book centered around a murder can be called cute). Jen was a relatable character who handled some crazy things in believable ways. I mean, if I had a terrible half-sister who I hated and who later turned up dead, I think I might respond in much the same way as Jen. She took realistic, albeit not always smart, steps to prove her innocence and that of her father. Jen's support network, in the form of her friends and coworker, Mitch, added depth to her character and helped move the story along. The whodunnit element of this book was well done, but wasn't as big of a draw for me as the interpersonal relationships. Jen's itchy palm was a cool addition to the story, and I appreciate that it wasn't used as a lazy way for Ms. Roberts to magically advance the plot. While I appreciate red herrings, there were loose ends in this book that detracted from my enjoyment of it. I don't ever want to think so much about lemon muffins again in my life.
Spoilers, commence.
I really, really, really wish that there hadn't been a romantic angle in this book; it felt shoehorned in and unnecessary. Having established Jen and Mitch's working friendship in a very different way, it strained credulity that a woman who was planning her six-month anniversary dinner with her boyfriend in the beginning of the book could already be on her way to serious emotional investment in somebody else by the end of it. Mitch said that he felt he had to tell her right after she broke up with Arthur, before she'd moved on to somebody else, but it would have been nice if he'd given her a breather.
As initially described, Jen and Mitch's relationship lacked the underlying tension that would have made their new direction more believable for me. While it was clear that Jen did find Mitch attractive, I didn't get the impression that he thought of her that way from how he spoke with her; he seemed to regard her solely as a good friend. Am I supposed to believe that he teased her to disguise some his unspoken romantic attachment to her? Because that's a little junior high-ish for me (hello, DJ Tanner). I would have appreciated any words or actions from him that would have made his later declaration of feelings for Jen seem like a natural progression instead of an unexpected 180. I don't mind seemingly sudden relationship changes that are a surprise to a character who isn't looking for them if there's something that I as a reader can look back on as a potential clue. The way that Jen and Mitch went from friends to smoochy buddies didn't sit well with me. Grounds to Kill feels like it could be the first book in a series; if so, it would have worked better for me to have the author use this book to set the stage for Jen and Mitch to kiss (and etc) in a future title. Hmmm, apparently I have a lot of feelings about this.
This beginning of this review is heavy on the generalities, and the section that contains spoilers is clearly marked.
This was a cute little mystery (if a book centered around a murder can be called cute). Jen was a relatable character who handled some crazy things in believable ways. I mean, if I had a terrible half-sister who I hated and who later turned up dead, I think I might respond in much the same way as Jen. She took realistic, albeit not always smart, steps to prove her innocence and that of her father. Jen's support network, in the form of her friends and coworker, Mitch, added depth to her character and helped move the story along. The whodunnit element of this book was well done, but wasn't as big of a draw for me as the interpersonal relationships. Jen's itchy palm was a cool addition to the story, and I appreciate that it wasn't used as a lazy way for Ms. Roberts to magically advance the plot. While I appreciate red herrings, there were loose ends in this book that detracted from my enjoyment of it. I don't ever want to think so much about lemon muffins again in my life.
Spoilers, commence.
I really, really, really wish that there hadn't been a romantic angle in this book; it felt shoehorned in and unnecessary. Having established Jen and Mitch's working friendship in a very different way, it strained credulity that a woman who was planning her six-month anniversary dinner with her boyfriend in the beginning of the book could already be on her way to serious emotional investment in somebody else by the end of it. Mitch said that he felt he had to tell her right after she broke up with Arthur, before she'd moved on to somebody else, but it would have been nice if he'd given her a breather.
As initially described, Jen and Mitch's relationship lacked the underlying tension that would have made their new direction more believable for me. While it was clear that Jen did find Mitch attractive, I didn't get the impression that he thought of her that way from how he spoke with her; he seemed to regard her solely as a good friend. Am I supposed to believe that he teased her to disguise some his unspoken romantic attachment to her? Because that's a little junior high-ish for me (hello, DJ Tanner). I would have appreciated any words or actions from him that would have made his later declaration of feelings for Jen seem like a natural progression instead of an unexpected 180. I don't mind seemingly sudden relationship changes that are a surprise to a character who isn't looking for them if there's something that I as a reader can look back on as a potential clue. The way that Jen and Mitch went from friends to smoochy buddies didn't sit well with me. Grounds to Kill feels like it could be the first book in a series; if so, it would have worked better for me to have the author use this book to set the stage for Jen and Mitch to kiss (and etc) in a future title. Hmmm, apparently I have a lot of feelings about this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2017
Jen Hanby is a thirty-something Barista worker in a Seattle coffeehouse who has a few secrets. First, there is a reason she gives coffee and muffins to the homeless man hanging around the Barista and second when her palm itches it means there is a message from the beyond.
The tale opens with Jen’s palm itching and a message from beyond that her boyfriend is sleeping with her nemesis and half-sister Misty. Things get complicated when not only Jen and her father end up suspects in a murder investigation.
I liked Jen, who at times was a little flighty, but she made me giggle. I appreciated how she tried to protect those she loves and unravel the murder mystery. Good friends surround her, and her co-worker was someone I enjoyed. He was witty, and the teasing between them felt genuine and added humor. Jen’s pooch is adorable and has some good instincts regarding folks. Too bad it takes Jen so much time to figure things out.
Quick paced, with fun characters from the nosy older neighbor to the many suspects I slipped in rather easily and enjoyed this little cozy. There is a romance, but it is light and sweet. It looks like one that will develop as the series does. Of course, all the references to coffee had me drooling!
GROUNDS TO KILL was a fun beginning to this series. I enjoyed how the mystery wrapped up and while I figured out who fairly early the reveal shared the why. I thought Roberts did a great job with the red herrings and leads. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The tale opens with Jen’s palm itching and a message from beyond that her boyfriend is sleeping with her nemesis and half-sister Misty. Things get complicated when not only Jen and her father end up suspects in a murder investigation.
I liked Jen, who at times was a little flighty, but she made me giggle. I appreciated how she tried to protect those she loves and unravel the murder mystery. Good friends surround her, and her co-worker was someone I enjoyed. He was witty, and the teasing between them felt genuine and added humor. Jen’s pooch is adorable and has some good instincts regarding folks. Too bad it takes Jen so much time to figure things out.
Quick paced, with fun characters from the nosy older neighbor to the many suspects I slipped in rather easily and enjoyed this little cozy. There is a romance, but it is light and sweet. It looks like one that will develop as the series does. Of course, all the references to coffee had me drooling!
GROUNDS TO KILL was a fun beginning to this series. I enjoyed how the mystery wrapped up and while I figured out who fairly early the reveal shared the why. I thought Roberts did a great job with the red herrings and leads. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 28, 2013
A wonderfully written murder mystery with a good dose of humor thrown in. Jen's half sister is murdered within minutes of Jen finding out that her boyfriend had been sleeping with her. Her homeless father (who suffers from mental illness) has disappeared and Jen has learned that he is the number one suspect. Jen also has an weird connection to someone .... or some thing... that sends her messages through her left hand. The messages that she writes are always accurate. That is, if she can understand what they mean.
There is a great cast of characters from the two best friends to a transvestite hooker named Kiki. Each is important to the story. I admit to figuring out who the killer was early on but it in no way took away from my enjoyment of the story.
An excellent book. I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
There is a great cast of characters from the two best friends to a transvestite hooker named Kiki. Each is important to the story. I admit to figuring out who the killer was early on but it in no way took away from my enjoyment of the story.
An excellent book. I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 6, 2013
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
I don’t know what it was about this story but I could not get into it. The characters were so... umm... cheesy... I guess that is the right word. Maybe too quirky or something. It seemed so juvenile yet it is not a YA read. There are too many “throw ins”.. meaning it had to be thrown in that her boyfriends fling was her half sister. Like just having a fling with a neighbor wasn’t enough? And a bunch of other things. It was just too much to me. It made the book seem childish.
Maybe someone else would enjoy it, and I suggested giving it a try if the synopsis appeals to you, but I just could not get excited about his book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what it was about this story but I could not get into it. The characters were so... umm... cheesy... I guess that is the right word. Maybe too quirky or something. It seemed so juvenile yet it is not a YA read. There are too many “throw ins”.. meaning it had to be thrown in that her boyfriends fling was her half sister. Like just having a fling with a neighbor wasn’t enough? And a bunch of other things. It was just too much to me. It made the book seem childish.
Maybe someone else would enjoy it, and I suggested giving it a try if the synopsis appeals to you, but I just could not get excited about his book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2013
This was a quaint, nice read. The ebook was only 177 pages long which was exactly the right length. I liked how the drama unfolded and how it kept you guessing,. Some of the characters I wanted to throw my shoes at, but I guess that's the sign of a good book!
Nothing to hate about this book, nothing to love particularly. Would be good to sit on a beach and read this. On holiday. Ooooo yeah.
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Nothing to hate about this book, nothing to love particularly. Would be good to sit on a beach and read this. On holiday. Ooooo yeah.
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 23, 2015
Great start of a series however i found the main character kind of lacking. I found her really kinda of lame... she's 30 and works at a coffee shop? I more i got into the book the more I didn't like her. The twist at the end though, I didn't see that coming.
December 23, 2012
A fun little mystery. I enjoyed the characters very much and hope she continue with them.
August 3, 2018
This book is categorised in cozy mystery. What I understand from cozy mystery is that, it is a mystery but it is not too real, and written on a lighter note, covering up the bitter realities of worlds. But somehow I am annoyed at the leisure behaviour of description of main character. Just feel like the it is too funny for a murder mystery. Some seriousness would have improved the novel so much.
The whole mystery revolves around the main character, all are tightly linked to this character. (Not giving any spoilers ) although all being linked together the whole thing goes on a light note.
Another cozy mystery that I read was chocolate chip cookie murder. In terms of being serious about the situation, it was far better. As the main character knows the victim but not too close to get emotional just close enough to be curious. But in this she knew the victim too closely, which doesn’t seem fit that she still do not care too much and keep cracking jokes.
The plot could be so much better, the little revelations that she had while some friend spirit should not be so straight away clues. If this revelations have some mystery involved and only at the end reader figure out what it is suppose to mean. And the plot should somehow be more thick with out these hints so direct.
Still overall I enjoyed the book but it had the potential of being much better novel. It is a leisure read where you can even skip some lines and still would be able to continue. A book you read with your mind shut. Funny thing while posting this review I realised that I was suppose to read the book “On what grounds” and not “Grounds to kill”, the world is funny place after all.
The whole mystery revolves around the main character, all are tightly linked to this character. (Not giving any spoilers ) although all being linked together the whole thing goes on a light note.
Another cozy mystery that I read was chocolate chip cookie murder. In terms of being serious about the situation, it was far better. As the main character knows the victim but not too close to get emotional just close enough to be curious. But in this she knew the victim too closely, which doesn’t seem fit that she still do not care too much and keep cracking jokes.
The plot could be so much better, the little revelations that she had while some friend spirit should not be so straight away clues. If this revelations have some mystery involved and only at the end reader figure out what it is suppose to mean. And the plot should somehow be more thick with out these hints so direct.
Still overall I enjoyed the book but it had the potential of being much better novel. It is a leisure read where you can even skip some lines and still would be able to continue. A book you read with your mind shut. Funny thing while posting this review I realised that I was suppose to read the book “On what grounds” and not “Grounds to kill”, the world is funny place after all.
January 19, 2018
Murder, mystery, and a bit of the paranormal. Jen Hanby has a gift? Though she normally writes with her right hand her left hand has a mind of its own and sometimes writes things that Jen has no idea where it comes from. The left hands comments are always true. Jen is just a barista trying to make do. Her father is a former cop who is suffering from schizophrenia and living on the streets. Her half-sister lives down the hall and has been screwing Jen’s boyfriend (the left hand told her so). Soon after she dumps the cheating bastard her half-sister ends up dead and her father is being framed for it. Jen, her gal pals and Mitch the hunk from the coffee shop are going to do whatever it takes to find the truth.
Grounds to Kill is a thrill ride from page one. You just can’t put it down.
Grounds to Kill is a thrill ride from page one. You just can’t put it down.
May 10, 2021
Good Not Great
This was good and held my interest most of the time! Good story like with and unusual twist.
The only thing I didn’t really like was how so much would happen in two sentences. There was a lot of “We had diner and went home and showered and went to bed and woke up in the morning” it’s something I haven’t noticed in other books before. Lots of time passed in one sentence and then rushed to the next part.
This was good and held my interest most of the time! Good story like with and unusual twist.
The only thing I didn’t really like was how so much would happen in two sentences. There was a lot of “We had diner and went home and showered and went to bed and woke up in the morning” it’s something I haven’t noticed in other books before. Lots of time passed in one sentence and then rushed to the next part.
August 27, 2020
Keeps you guessing!
Every time you think you have this one figured out, something happens to change your mind. Lots of action and a cute lil pup♥️ This book pretty much became a nonstop read from chapter 1. Can’t wait for more from this author!
Every time you think you have this one figured out, something happens to change your mind. Lots of action and a cute lil pup♥️ This book pretty much became a nonstop read from chapter 1. Can’t wait for more from this author!
August 7, 2017
Meh. It was cute and quirky, but it lacked any real depth. Probably a great murder mystery for a preteen.
September 16, 2017
Great book! I enjoyed the author's writing, the characters and the paranormal aspect.
November 19, 2017
A very fun, well-written, entertaining read with great characters and pacing. I recommend for you mystery lovers out there... It doesn't disappoint!
December 31, 2017
Lite fun read
August 4, 2018
I want and need more!
September 23, 2018
This book is a very good read. Love the humor the author inserts
December 26, 2016
Wendy Roberts never disappoints!! Happily waiting for the next one
March 1, 2017
i actually enjoyed reading this book. i think jen was strong for trying to help solve the murder, look for her dad, almost getting her killed (even though she makes bad choices sometimes too like calling up arthur when she was down). i love that she had a strong set of friends.. beth, mallory, mitch who would support her in her problems and look out for her. i was already guessing who the killer was, i just didnt know how and why and it was a nice twist in the end. i feel sad for the dad though and i hope jen will start taking her of him. i still want to know how the HOD works and zelma and frank were nice additions to the story.
November 6, 2014
Grounds to Kill by Wendy Roberts was just such an enjoyable read! I listened to it on audio and it was fantastic! I really enjoyed every minute of it and thought the narrator did fantastic. Her voice really fit Jen, I think. And it made the story come alive even more. I can’t really remember any negatives, but often with female narrators I get annoyed by the mens voices they do, and I think she did a pretty decent job. Even though it’s been over a week since I finished the audiobook, I can still hear ‘Jens’ voice clearly in my head. It was one story I really didn’t want to end!
Jen is a great character and whether you listen on audio or read the book, I think she has a very strong voice and clear personality. I loved that she has a dog that was important to the story, only because Jen loved him so much. Since I have a dog that I really care about, I connected with that. I also was really interested in her ‘ability’ which was her spirit guide that ‘spoke’ through her hand by writing her notes. It wasn’t a guide that would really answer her if she asked questions but seemed to have a mind of his own and spewed forth information as he wished. This was a source of severe frustration for Jen, she didn’t really understand or even welcome this ability. This is one aspect that I really wanted more of and would love to see a sequel that gives us a little more.
The mystery was really great! I did not guess at all and was totally surprised up until the moment it was revealed. We had hints, but I sure didn’t pick up on enough of them. I also loved the little mysteries thrown in that helped lead to solve the big mystery.
There’s a touch of romance and I liked it pretty well but I would like to see more! Generally, I just want more of all of this. I love Jen, her life, her friends and everything going on around her. This would be a great series with Jen solving mysteries, so I’m hoping this is an option one day and will happen. I also need to know what happened to one other aspect in the story. We didn’t really find out the conclusion to it. It’s minor, but you know how it is, I want to know everything!
Overall, this was a fantastic story!
Jen is a great character and whether you listen on audio or read the book, I think she has a very strong voice and clear personality. I loved that she has a dog that was important to the story, only because Jen loved him so much. Since I have a dog that I really care about, I connected with that. I also was really interested in her ‘ability’ which was her spirit guide that ‘spoke’ through her hand by writing her notes. It wasn’t a guide that would really answer her if she asked questions but seemed to have a mind of his own and spewed forth information as he wished. This was a source of severe frustration for Jen, she didn’t really understand or even welcome this ability. This is one aspect that I really wanted more of and would love to see a sequel that gives us a little more.
The mystery was really great! I did not guess at all and was totally surprised up until the moment it was revealed. We had hints, but I sure didn’t pick up on enough of them. I also loved the little mysteries thrown in that helped lead to solve the big mystery.
There’s a touch of romance and I liked it pretty well but I would like to see more! Generally, I just want more of all of this. I love Jen, her life, her friends and everything going on around her. This would be a great series with Jen solving mysteries, so I’m hoping this is an option one day and will happen. I also need to know what happened to one other aspect in the story. We didn’t really find out the conclusion to it. It’s minor, but you know how it is, I want to know everything!
Overall, this was a fantastic story!
January 6, 2013
What would you do if you had a spirit guide who occasionally would send you messages that started with an itchy palm? What if this guide conveniently lets you know via one of those messages that your boyfriend of six months is cheating on you with your half-sister?
Jen is the lucky person who has to answer those questions while at the same time finding the real killer of her half-sister. She's got a lot thrown at her in a very short time including learning more about this spirit guide that may or may not prove to be useful to her in the future. She works as a barista in Seattle which while being fairly boring isn't something she hates. She likes her job and the people she works with even though it doesn't give her a ton of extra spending money. She has a co-worker, Mitch, that acts like a bit of a playboy but as we find out really wants her. She has this insane lust going for almost anyone in uniform which led her to the asshole who cheated on her.
I felt for her as she deals with not only the loss of the sister she hated but also dealing with the madness that is her schizophrenic father. She is given a hard time by co-workers for giving the homeless man across the street coffee and baked goods but what they don't realize is he's her father. It made me sad to learn more about the man but it is an accurate portrayal of mental illness that I think needed to be said. I loved watching her try to figure out who the killer was and her stumbling through all that is thrown at her was funny at times. I don't think it was meant to be funny but the sheer bad luck she has was interesting.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Jen is the lucky person who has to answer those questions while at the same time finding the real killer of her half-sister. She's got a lot thrown at her in a very short time including learning more about this spirit guide that may or may not prove to be useful to her in the future. She works as a barista in Seattle which while being fairly boring isn't something she hates. She likes her job and the people she works with even though it doesn't give her a ton of extra spending money. She has a co-worker, Mitch, that acts like a bit of a playboy but as we find out really wants her. She has this insane lust going for almost anyone in uniform which led her to the asshole who cheated on her.
I felt for her as she deals with not only the loss of the sister she hated but also dealing with the madness that is her schizophrenic father. She is given a hard time by co-workers for giving the homeless man across the street coffee and baked goods but what they don't realize is he's her father. It made me sad to learn more about the man but it is an accurate portrayal of mental illness that I think needed to be said. I loved watching her try to figure out who the killer was and her stumbling through all that is thrown at her was funny at times. I don't think it was meant to be funny but the sheer bad luck she has was interesting.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2013
I have a hard time with the mystery genre because it's so blase about death and violence and all that, but this was a really fun book. For a murder mystery, I mean.
Jen Hanby just found out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with her half-sister, so she dumps the jerk and then goes to the sister's apartment to throw dog poop at her television. Oops, only the sister is dead. And it looks like Jen has the strongest motive for having done it.
The dog poop thing is the type of thing that makes this book fun. if you think throwing dog poop at somebody's television is despicable and unfunny, no matter what, then you might want to skip this one. Me, I don't mind a little dog poop in my books once in a while.
The side characters here are also entertaining. Jen has one wacky best friend and one straight man best friend. They make a good pair. And Jen's father, schizophrenic, off his pills, and homeless by choice. Plus, there's the sweet love interest: Jen's friend from work with a surprise crush on her.
I wish that the relationship between Jen and her sister would have been explored more. Maybe some flashbacks or something. It was clear that things were more complicated than just plain antagonism, but more time could have been spent on that angle.
There's also a little bit of the supernatural going on in here, enough to make it different from most murder mysteries that I've read, but not quite enough to put it in into the supernatural genre.
Lastly, I just want to say how much I love the title. Grounds to Kill. Because she works in a coffee shop, get it?
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Jen Hanby just found out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with her half-sister, so she dumps the jerk and then goes to the sister's apartment to throw dog poop at her television. Oops, only the sister is dead. And it looks like Jen has the strongest motive for having done it.
The dog poop thing is the type of thing that makes this book fun. if you think throwing dog poop at somebody's television is despicable and unfunny, no matter what, then you might want to skip this one. Me, I don't mind a little dog poop in my books once in a while.
The side characters here are also entertaining. Jen has one wacky best friend and one straight man best friend. They make a good pair. And Jen's father, schizophrenic, off his pills, and homeless by choice. Plus, there's the sweet love interest: Jen's friend from work with a surprise crush on her.
I wish that the relationship between Jen and her sister would have been explored more. Maybe some flashbacks or something. It was clear that things were more complicated than just plain antagonism, but more time could have been spent on that angle.
There's also a little bit of the supernatural going on in here, enough to make it different from most murder mysteries that I've read, but not quite enough to put it in into the supernatural genre.
Lastly, I just want to say how much I love the title. Grounds to Kill. Because she works in a coffee shop, get it?
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2013
Jen is a barrista in an independent coffee shop in Seattle and has a few problems: Her father has some mental issues and decided to live on the streets and won't say a word. Plus she fears to either become nuts as well or to be developing a brain tumor since her left hand keeps scribbling little messages to her. Usually they are silly little predictions, but no matter what it was, it always came true. Now they turn into more concrete warnings, like when Jen is being alarmed by her hand that her boyfriend is sleeping with her (hated) half-sister, which turns out to be true. When the half-sister turns up dead shortly after, Jen finds herself to be suspect number 1.
The crime story isn't bad but a bit foreseeable. The way the protagonist gets messages through her hand is an interesting twist and the way the messages appear was always a good motor to give the story a new kick. I really liked the characters, especially the heroine. The whole atmosphere and the setting of this novel is lovely, maybe a bit too lovely and cute for my taste. The tone is light and funny and makes a good and comfortable read.
I enjoy a bit of a love story in a crime novel, but here it felt like it would have been better to either skip it or invest more time to build some sparks and get the reader really wish for them to become a couple. The way it was done here felt a bit half-hearted to me.
There is a great humor throughout the story. Even though the story is a bit less surprising than I wished, it is still good and solid entertainment. I devoured the novel in one day and will surely look out for the sequels.
(I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.)
The crime story isn't bad but a bit foreseeable. The way the protagonist gets messages through her hand is an interesting twist and the way the messages appear was always a good motor to give the story a new kick. I really liked the characters, especially the heroine. The whole atmosphere and the setting of this novel is lovely, maybe a bit too lovely and cute for my taste. The tone is light and funny and makes a good and comfortable read.
I enjoy a bit of a love story in a crime novel, but here it felt like it would have been better to either skip it or invest more time to build some sparks and get the reader really wish for them to become a couple. The way it was done here felt a bit half-hearted to me.
There is a great humor throughout the story. Even though the story is a bit less surprising than I wished, it is still good and solid entertainment. I devoured the novel in one day and will surely look out for the sequels.
(I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.)
March 1, 2013
Grounds to kill keeps you guessing till the end who the bad guys are. It is a murder mystery that Barista Jen Hamby wants to solve, with her friends. Why she feels the need to investigate the murder is simple. She found the body and hated her. Misty was her half sister,who slept with her boyfriend Arthur. The other suspect the cops have is her father. Her father who is homeless,doesn't speak to her for years but comes by the coffee shop a lot lately and hands out fliers for missing dog out all over. He does not have a dog even.
Jen also has a left hand that has a mind of its own and writes messages to her. Jen's hand wrote on the bathroom mirror that Arthur slept with Misty. So Jen kicks him out. For her hand is always right. She does not tell to many people that fact. She has two good friends that try and help her when they can. The guy she works with wants to be better friends.
Jen keeps getting into more trouble the longer she looks for the truth. Even her ex-boyfriend thinks she could be the killer. Arthur wants Jen to give him a second chance.
It was not a book to easyly decide what catergory of books it is. I liked it because I had no idea where it was leading. Loved the different characters. It was easy to follow the story and keep track of the characters. Some good humor.
I would read another book in the future of Wendy's.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when finshed by Netgalley.
Publisher: Carina Press (January 7, 2013) 181 pages ASIN: B00A22UVJG
Jen also has a left hand that has a mind of its own and writes messages to her. Jen's hand wrote on the bathroom mirror that Arthur slept with Misty. So Jen kicks him out. For her hand is always right. She does not tell to many people that fact. She has two good friends that try and help her when they can. The guy she works with wants to be better friends.
Jen keeps getting into more trouble the longer she looks for the truth. Even her ex-boyfriend thinks she could be the killer. Arthur wants Jen to give him a second chance.
It was not a book to easyly decide what catergory of books it is. I liked it because I had no idea where it was leading. Loved the different characters. It was easy to follow the story and keep track of the characters. Some good humor.
I would read another book in the future of Wendy's.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when finshed by Netgalley.
Publisher: Carina Press (January 7, 2013) 181 pages ASIN: B00A22UVJG
October 21, 2013
Wendy Roberts knows how to write a book that's difficult to define. Grounds to Kill isn't the typical cozy even though there's a little romance, not much violence, and a dog. There's not enough of the paranormal in it to make readers' woo woo meters go off the scale. The book isn't noir because Roberts' sense of humor often comes shining through. I suppose I'll call this an edgy cozy and be done with it.
As usual Roberts has created a likable main character who's so much like the rest of us with her intelligence, sassy mouth, and compassionate heart. I think what really sets this book apart from others that I've read is how Roberts shows what the presence of mental illness can do to a family. Despite everything they have done, Jen's father will not stay on his medications, and he has chosen to live on the streets. It's a heartbreaking situation for all parties concerned, which the author makes very clear.
Jen's paranormal "gift" is also an interesting twist that leads to frustration and humor. Of course the hand never does anything as easy as spelling out JOE SCHMOE IS THE KILLER, and Jen is led on a merry chase in her efforts to decipher the messages and keep her loved ones safe-- even though I felt the killer's identity was a bit obvious.
If you like cozy mysteries but are in the mood for something a little different, something with a bit of a bite to it, I have a suggestion for you: Wendy Roberts' Grounds to Kill. (And since Jen works in a coffee shop, you can even indulge in a caffeine high.)
As usual Roberts has created a likable main character who's so much like the rest of us with her intelligence, sassy mouth, and compassionate heart. I think what really sets this book apart from others that I've read is how Roberts shows what the presence of mental illness can do to a family. Despite everything they have done, Jen's father will not stay on his medications, and he has chosen to live on the streets. It's a heartbreaking situation for all parties concerned, which the author makes very clear.
Jen's paranormal "gift" is also an interesting twist that leads to frustration and humor. Of course the hand never does anything as easy as spelling out JOE SCHMOE IS THE KILLER, and Jen is led on a merry chase in her efforts to decipher the messages and keep her loved ones safe-- even though I felt the killer's identity was a bit obvious.
If you like cozy mysteries but are in the mood for something a little different, something with a bit of a bite to it, I have a suggestion for you: Wendy Roberts' Grounds to Kill. (And since Jen works in a coffee shop, you can even indulge in a caffeine high.)
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